About QCPCA 
'Challenging' and 'Eventful' are the two words that spring to mind when describing the year so far. However I would also like to add to these the word 'Successful'. As we head into the final term I can say with conviction that we have met the challenges before us and we will continue to do so by representing P&Cs on the key issues.
This edition of Parent Talk shows just how hard you have all been working over the last few months and should inspire us to continue. With the launch of the new QCPCA website and the 60th Annual State Conference in Brisbane on the 11th- 13th September we are well placed to continue strongly. I would like to thank everyone for their hard work and encourage you all to keep it up.
State Conference 2009
As you will see from this edition of Parent Talk our 60th Annual State Conference was well attended and attracted much attention. The event provided our delegates the opportunity to compare notes as well as giving everybody the chance to meet with senior officials from Education Queensland (EQ) and like-minded organisations to discuss state school education. Outstanding performances from Lauren Porter and Andy Francis showed us just why we invest so much in our children's future. I would like to thank all those who attended and contributed to the debate.
What can we expect for 2010?
- Organisational Review
At conference this year we heard from Kevan Goodworth who has been contracted to carry out an organisational review of QCPCA. His interim findings provoked much debate amongst delegates and will pose us with many questions. His candid approach provides QCPCA with a great opportunity to put in place a system that allows us to operate to our maximum potential. We look forward in anticipation to the final draft of the review, which will be submitted in November of this year. Please note that this review will in no way impact on the operation of P&Cs as it solely refers to the structure and workings of QCPCA.
- National Curriculum
This is widely seen as Australia's best opportunity to date, to create and implement a national curriculum. 2009 has seen ACARA (The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority) begin to lay the foundations for this national curriculum from Kindergarten to Year 12 in specified learning areas. It will be supported by a national assessment program that measures student progress and a national data collection and reporting program. The challenge for QCPCA and P&Cs will be to ensure that our voice is heard not just in the endorsement process of the above but also in its formulation.
- Student Wellbeing
We need to continue to provide our children with a safe and supportive learning environment. Issues such as bullying are not new in our schools but the changing environment and resulting methods are. P&Cs will need to work closely with their communities and EQ. QCPCA welcomes EQs appointment of bullying expert Professor Ken Rigby and we look forward to working together. Health and safety again will be high on the agenda and we are hoping to work towards new policies on subjects such as Anaphylaxis.
- NAPLAN
The Masters Review, published earlier this year, provided 5 key recommendations to improve literacy, numeracy and science learning in Queensland primary schools. Our reaction to the report was favourable and our recommendations were included in the official government response. The government's attempt to address the 2008 NAPLAN results has also seen the introduction of initiatives such as Summer Schools which provide a great opportunity to improve our children's education. These Summer Schools are not compulsory but they offer a great opportunity for parents to take up if they choose to. We understand that the response has been overwhelming and we are very happy to hear that the Summer Schools program will also be available to regional and remote students through online distance education.
- Facilities
The Building the Education Revolution (BER) project has been a dominant feature this year. QCPCAs representation on this issue has provided positive outcomes and we are proud to say that in working with the Minister and EQ we were able to ensure a renegotiation on the placement of project fees for the National School Pride (NSP) scheme. 2010 will see the completion of building work and the opening of facilities. We will continue to advocate on behalf of P&Cs in ensuring that the good work is completed.
- Early childhood Strategy
Options such as one- stop facilities offering services to children as young as 6 months old need to be addressed. The Australian Early Development Index (AEDI) as an indicator of our children's development will be an important tool in informing debate.
- Communication and Cooperation
Through the continued and regular communication we currently hold with the Minster, EQ and our partners in education we can make 2010 as successful as 2009. Next year will no doubt throw up some unexpected challenges but by working together we can ensure that State Schools are at the top of the agenda.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent you as State President for another term. I am honoured. All of the success achieved by QCPCA, Regional Representatives and P&Cs over the last year is due to the communication and cooperation of our members and friends. We should be proud.
I wish you all a safe holiday season and also best wishes to all students who are finishing their school education. I hope that the future brings good things and would like to say well done to the parents who have supported their children for these very important twelve years.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.
Kind Regards
Margaret Black
State President
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